BWW Blog: Amanda Grillo - The World You Live in: The Effects of Outdoor Theatre

It is summertime! Whether it be community theatre, regional theatre, all the way to the professional level, summer is a prime time to take in a show. There is a lot of thought and work that comes into creating the experience. Experiences can range from the traditional indoor theatre to taking in a production while enjoying a picnic at a local park. This week we are taking a look at some of the positives and negatives to outdoor theatre productions.

Positive: A change of pace

Anyone can walk into a theater to enjoy a show, no matter the season. Summertime brings a new event to submerge yourself in. Nothing compares to sprawling out on a blanket with people you love and watching the magic of theatre happen right before your very eyes.

Negative: Not knowing what to expect for "Bring your own Seating"

You can be on a nice cozy blanket, perfect view, but then someone pops in front of you in a tall lawn chair and obstruct your view for about half the stage.

Positive: Developing the production

From a performance perspective, we also appreciate the change of venue. It's not often you can quite literally build the story from the ground up. It can especially be fun if it is a sight specific location. Possibilities are endless. There is always room to play. No walls to limit you.

Negative: There are no walls/boundaries...

I did a show last year outdoors on my town green. An elderly gentleman happened to be passing by and wanted to see what was going on to draw such a crowd. In that instant, in the middle of our opening scene, right before my own entrance, he sits on the park bench that we were using as a part of our set. Luckily, the show was A Midsummer Night's Dream, and we were able to have our actress that played Puck improvise a subtle entrance to where the man was sitting in order to get him off of the set.

Positive: Experimenting with new technical ideas

Having the natural elements and your local surroundings can pose an interesting challenge when it comes to planning your technical design. Sets can be as minimal or elaborate as you want. Natural lighting and sunsets are a factor that play into your lighting design.

Negative: The Elements

Naturally in any outdoor setting, weather is one of the biggest factors of a successful run. Rain could risk the show's ability to run and wind of any kind can affect the sound system. After a fresh rain, not many Audience members would want to sit in muddy grass, and if you are working on the actual ground, it can affect blocking.

Outdoor Theatre is such a wonderful experience to partake in. Whether you are a spectator or on stage performing, it is something I recommend that everyone tries it at least once. Sure it has its ups and downs, but in this world...what doesn't?

If you are in the Connecticut area and want to experience an outdoor production, come join West Haven Council on the Arts/ Theater West August 12th and 13th on the West Haven Green as we present The Comedy of Errors. This unique production comes to you with a 1920's twist! It'll be the bee's knees!

Join me next week as we get back to the regularly scheduled Behind The Scenes Coverage with "Luciana's Outlook"